Being openly gay, [Steve] Rothaus said he faced resistance writing and reporting on LGBT issues in South Florida. But that beat was his branding.

“It’s ok to be engaged,” he said, addressing that being gay made him more qualified than most to report on LGBT issues and topics. “Being engaged in your community is not a bad thing.”

Rothaus said one can still be a creditable, trusted and respected journalist while simultaneously being plugged into a certain community.

“I know a lot of people, and they know me for being a gay reporter with the Miami Herald,” he said. “That in no way impacts my credibility. My job is to provide a voice to people who have traditionally underrepresented.”